Home » WordPress Tutorials » Basics » How to Delete a WordPress Category

How to Delete a WordPress Category

When you learn how to create a WordPress website, one of the first things you should read about are categories and how to use them. Now that we have discussed how to create categories, it is time to read how to delete them.

Similar to the creation and editing of categories, the deletion process requires no more than a few clicks.

In the following sections, you will read how to use three methods to delete categories.

How to Delete a WordPress Category

There are three ways of doing so:

  1. Delete an Individual WordPress Category
  2. Select and Delete Categories
  3. Bulk Delete Categories

 

Method 1: Delete an individual WordPress Category

Enter your WordPress Admin Panel and from there head towards Posts->Categories:

WordPress Categories Menu

 

This will open the Categories management page:

WordPress Categories Tab

 

On the right, there’s a box that contains a list of all your main and sub-categories:

WordPress Categories Tab Sections

 

When you hover your mouse above any of the names of your categories, a menu will appear:

WordPress Categories Delete Menu

 

Here you can see a red Delete button. Click it and confirm your action. By doing so, WordPress will delete the selected category.

 

Method 2: Select and Delete

This is a slightly different approach, but with the same result. Again, enter the Categories page (Dashboard-> Posts->Categories), and again have a look at your list with categories. Also, notice the boxes on the left of each category’s name:

WordPress Categories Bulk Select

 

By clicking each individual box, you mark its corresponding category. Select the category you wish to delete and then from the Bulk Action menu choose Delete. Then press Apply:

WordPress Categories Bulk Delete

 

This will delete the category you have selected.

This method is also useful when you want to delete multiple categories. To do so, simply tick the boxes corresponding to all the categories you wish to delete. Then again select Delete from the Bulk action menu and press Apply:

WordPress Categories Multiple Delete

 

Method 3: Bulk Delete all Categories:

This method is used to select and delete all categories automatically. To use it, from the Categories menu, add a tick on the top left box in the list with categories:

WordPress Categories Box Selection

 

When you add a tick to it, all other categories will be automatically selected:

WordPress Categories Multiple Select

 

Then simply head to the bottom of the box and from the Bulk actions menu select Delete and then click Apply:

WordPress Categories Confirm Delete

 

What Happens to the Posts That Were Aligned to the Deleted Categories?

Such posts won’t be automatically deleted.  In fact, there won’t be any noticeable change – they will remain published or on draft, depending on how you’ve left them and with all the settings you’ve selected. However, they will be automatically assigned to the default and pre-built Uncategorized category.

Conclusion

Categories are one of the most useful tools in WordPress when it comes to your blog section. Not only do they make it easier for you to browse and organize your content, but also make it easier for your site visitors to search faster and easier within your posts, and also add a kick to SEO.

However, sometimes there can be more categories that you might use or need. This is why it is a good idea to delete these categories, as this will optimize the content on your website.

Related:

Was this article useful?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 1

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Newest Articles:

How to Download WordPress Media Library from the ZETTAHOST Server

There are many reasons why you would want to download your WordPress media library files. You might wish to migrate your website content to a different domain, make a backup, or simply want to have a safe copy of your media files. Regardless of the reason, there are...

How to Download Media Library Using WordPress Settings

In case you wish to keep a copy of your WordPress media library, migrate your site content to a different domain, or want to make a full site backup, WordPress got you covered. The platform comes with a handy built-in Export function that you can access and use...

How to Download WordPress Media Library with a Plugin

A simple way to download your WordPress media library files is by using a plugin. With this method, you can store your files on your device in a matter of minutes. In the following paragraphs, you will read how to do so step by step.   How to Download Your...

How to Change Text Color With WordPress Theme Customizer

If you wish to make some general changes to your website text formatting, then using the WordPress theme customizer is a great way to do so. Each installed WordPress Theme comes with a customizer, and when formatting your texts, it is a good idea to have a closer look...

How to Change Text Color With WordPress Classic Editor

Formatting your content in WordPress is essential for crafting a useful website. Along with various other formatting techniques, coloring text can help you retain your visitors' attention and quickly point out the important information you wish to share online. In the...

Ready to Create Your Website?